Aniela froze the moment she heard his voice.
“Oh my god, Aniela—are you alright?” Kafziel said, his voice hoarse but urgent, eyes widening as he tried to sit up in the hospital bed.
Her heart slammed painfully against her ribs. No. No, no, no. Instinct took over before fear could paralyze her. She stepped forward quickly and pressed her hand over his mouth.
“Shush,” she whispered sharply, leaning close so only he could hear. Her breath trembled. “Don’t say that.”
His eyes searched her face, confusion swirling behind them. She could see it clearly now—he was awake, fully awake, and looking straight at her.
“I’m Amelia,” she said quietly, forcing the lie past the knot in her throat. “Okay? You don’t know me at all.”
Kafziel blinked. Once. Twice. His brow furrowed as he slowly nodded, t
